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The Hobby Horse Ring is coming to the New Forest Show
If you’ve not come across hobby horsing before, you’re in for a treat and in 2026, it’s getting its very own dedicated ring at the New Forest Show.
Sponsored by equestrian brand Le Mieux, the brand-new Hobby Horse Ring will run competitive classes across all three days of the show – with something for every age group and ability level.
“From best turned out to fancy dress and jumping heights of up to 80cm – the Hobby Horse Ring is set to be one of the most joyful new additions to the show.”
What is hobby horsing?
Hobby horsing is a competitive sport – originating in Finland and now popular across Europe – in which participants perform equestrian-style routines with a hobby horse. Competitors are judged on their technique, style and presentation across disciplines including dressage, show jumping and best turned out.
It’s a sport that rewards creativity, athleticism, and a genuine love of horses – making it a natural fit for the New Forest Show, which has celebrated equestrian life for almost a century!
About the sponsor: Le Mieux
The Hobby Horse Ring is proudly sponsored by Le Mieux, the premium equestrian brand known for its high-quality horse and rider equipment. Their support reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of equestrian enthusiasts – and hobby horsing is very much part of that story.
Ring opens 10:00am
Classes start at 10:00am each day, with jumping and fancy dress beginning not before 12:00pm.
£8.00 per class
Entry fee is £8.00 per class, with age categories for under 5s, 6–10 years, and 11 and over.
6 classes across 3 days
Best Turned Out, Best Trick, Jumping (up to 80cm) and Fancy Dress — running all three days of the show.
What classes are taking place?
The schedule covers six classes running across all three days, with age categories ensuring fair competition for under-5s right through to 11 and over. Jumping classes start at 20cm and go up to 80cm for the oldest age group.
Best Turned Out
Ages: under 5, 6–10, 11 and over
Best Hobby Horse Trick
Perform your best trick or move. Ages: under 5, 6–10, 11 and over
Jumping — under 5s
20cm and 30cm heights. Starts from 12:00pm
Jumping — 6 to 10 years
40cm, 50cm, 60cm and 70cm heights. Starts from 12:00pm
Jumping — 11 and over
50cm, 60cm, 70cm and 80cm heights. Starts from 12:00pm
Fancy Dress
Ages: under 5, 6–10, 11 and over
Classes 1 and 2 (Best Turned Out and Best Hobby Horse Trick) begin at 10:00am. Jumping classes and Fancy Dress begin not before 12:00pm each day.
Your Questions, Answered
The Hobby Horse Ring is a brand-new competitive ring at the 2026 New Forest Show, sponsored by Le Mieux. It hosts hobby horsing classes across all three days of the show, including best turned out, trick performance, jumping and fancy dress, with age categories from under 5s to 11 and over.
Entry to the Hobby Horse Ring classes costs £8.00 per class. This is in addition to your New Forest Show admission ticket.
Classes are divided into three age groups: 5 years and under, 6–10 years, and 11 years and over. There are classes suitable for all levels, from best turned out and tricks through to jumping at heights ranging from 20cm up to 80cm.
The ring starts at 10:00am each day. Best Turned Out and Best Hobby Horse Trick classes begin at 10:00am, with jumping and fancy dress classes starting not before 12:00pm.
The Hobby Horse Ring is sponsored by Le Mieux, the premium equestrian brand known for high-quality horse and rider equipment.
Got Your Ticket?
Early bird prices end 12 July 2026 — don’t leave it too late.
Early bird prices valid until 12 July 2026
